Reakirt's Blue Butterfly

family Lycaenidae Johnson's Hairstreak Blue Butterfly Identification Silvery Blue Spring Azure Brown Elfin Purplish Copper Types of Butterflies

Unlike the orange spotted butterflies described in the Blue Butterfly Identification article, the Reakirt's Blue is characterized by dark black spots on the top and bottom of the wings.

It is a very common butterfly, inhabiting grasslands, riparian areas and desert regions of the Midwest, south through Texas, and the lower Rocky Mountain states. Like other blue butterflies, you can often see them puddling along wet terrain on sunny days.

The top picture shows some small characteristic black spots on the bottom of the wings.

The side view of the Reakirt's Blue shows the black dots with white circle borders. The larger black spot on the bottom wing sometimes has an orange patch on it.

Unlike some of the endangered blue butterflies, Reakirt's are a fairly adaptable species. The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants in the pea family, making it easier for them to move, if change comes to any one particular ecosystem hosting their food sources.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels. All Rights Reserved.